Stigma as a multispatial-scale process: Revisiting the worst US Superfund sites

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Urban Planning
• Public Health

Background:

• Examined areas adjacent to early U.S. National Priorities List (NPL) hazardous waste sites with prior emergency actions.
• Assessed social, public health, and environmental attributes four decades post-NPL designation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure the extent and nature of local stigma associated with Superfund sites.
• To understand the long-term impacts of hazardous waste site designation on adjacent communities.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of social, public health, and environmental indicators in areas near NPL sites.
• Evaluation of outcomes against host state and county benchmarks.
• Assessment of contributing factors from various governmental and community levels.

Main Results:

• Observed significant variation in community attributes, with one-third fitting a 'stressed area' stereotype.
• Found that another one-third exhibited better measurable outcomes than their respective states and counties.
• Identified elevated broadband access and positive safety/family attractiveness in some post-Superfund communities.

Conclusions:

• Long-term stigma around Superfund sites is not uniform and can be mitigated.
• Effective U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actions, progressive local governance, and community engagement limit negative impacts.
• Multi-scalar governmental and community contributions are crucial for successful site remediation and community well-being.